12 things to do in the D.C. area this week

Red Derby will be celebrating its 11th birthday on Tuesday with a party that features $1 Natty Bohs all night. (Evy Mages for the Washington Post)

ByGoing Out Guide staff

October 15

Monday, Oct. 15

Three-Year Anniversary Party at Songbyrd: This spot, which houses a coffee shop, bar, record store and concert space all under one roof, is celebrating its third year in Adams Morgan. To celebrate, the venue is hosting a jam session of yet-to-be announced local artists billed as “The D.C. Music All Stars.” With a steady stream of the most interesting musicians — both local and national — dotting their calendar for three years, expect a righteous celebration of the city’s sprawling music scene. 8 p.m. Free.

Profs and Pints at the Bier Baron Tavern: If you’re interested in a scholarly discussion about a particular topic over a couple of beers, Profs and Pints is the way to go. It helps that the weekly talks at the Bier Baron Tavern are led by college professors, bringing a bit of the classroom into the barroom. The topics vary from light to serious: This week’s talk features Richard C. Sha of American University discussing “The Science of Frankenstein.” 6 p.m. $12 in advance; $15 at the door.

Tuesday, Oct. 16

WWE SmackDown 1000 at Capital One Arena: Even if you aren’t a wrestling fan, you might have stumbled on “SmackDown” while channel-surfing. The weekly TV show, which debuted in 1999, has been the breeding ground for future household names such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, whose catchphrase “layeth the smackdown” gave the show its name. Local WWE fans have been hoping that Washington would host one of the marquee events such as SummerSlam or WrestleMania, but for now they’ll have to settle for “SmackDown 1000,” which celebrates 1,000 episodes of the program. No set match card has been announced, but stars including the Undertaker are billed to appear along with some rumored special guests. 7:30 p.m. Sold out.

Red Derby Anniversary Party at Red Derby: This beloved local watering hole hasn’t changed much over the years, which is why its loyal customers have been coming back for 11 years. Sure, the bar has started accepting credit cards and there’s now a rooftop deck, but the beers are still served cold in a can. Mingle with old friends and new at this birthday celebration featuring such menu staples as tots and fried mac-and-cheese wedges along with dollar Natty Bohs all night. 5 p.m. Free admission; drink and food prices vary.

Wednesday, Oct. 17

Charly Bliss at the Anthem: The biggest name on the Wharf’s shining beacon of a marquee on Wednesday night might read Death Cab for Cutie, but well-tuned ears will know that the real draw of the night is their opening band. The Brooklyn-based power pop quartet is touring on its 2017 breakout “Guppy,” which was lined start-to-finish with undeniable hooks belted out by the playful vocals of Eva Hendricks. 6:30 p.m. $55-$95.

April + VISTA at the Rock & Roll Hotel: Lock April + VISTA in a room and they’ll make music just fine. Their songs are built around April’s delicate voice and VISTA’s lush, electronic live-producing (though April, a classically trained violinist, can contribute string work should the need arise). The D.C.-based duo creates a singular style of electro/R&B that captures the tides of life. Their heartfelt lyrics and April’s staggering voice are superimposed on VISTA’s mesmerizing soundscapes. Their yin-and-yang dynamic bursts through the music as they brew conflict and, at once, offer some semblance of peace. 8 p.m. Sold out.

Thursday, Oct. 18

Nat Geo Nights at the National Geographic Museum: These monthly gatherings are the biggest and splashiest of all the knowledge-based happy hours in the Washington area. Held on the third Thursday of the month, they’re centered around TED-style “lightning talks” with scientists from the National Geographic Explorers program. Thursday’s is titled “Into the Underworld” and features underwater archaeologist Guillermo de Anda, an expert in Mayan burials deep in Yucatan caves, and biologists Ingi Agnarsson and Daniela Cafaggi, who are experts on cave-dwelling spiders and bats, respectively. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. $20.

Rosslyn Cider Fest at Central Place Plaza: Now that fall weather has arrived, it’s time to cozy up in sweaters and reap the bounty of apple season with some tasty cider. Rosslyn is hosting its first cider fest, featuring such mainstream names in the cider world as Strongbow and Bold Rock, but also highlighting such local cideries as Winchester’s Ciderworks and Delaplane’s Cobbler Mountain Cellars. A ticket gets you samples from each of the eight vendors, and you’ll get to hear live music along with food trucks on-site at an additional cost. 5 to 8 p.m. $10.

'A Drinkable Feast’ Cocktail Seminar at the Perry Belmont House: Paris in the 1920s sounds like a magical place: F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway carousing on the Left Bank, Pablo Picasso holding court in intellectual cafes and a generation of Americans seeking respite from Prohibition while Europe recovered from World War I. This is the scene local author Philip Greene paints in his new book, “A Drinkable Feast: A Cocktail Companion to 1920s Paris.” Part cocktail recipe book, part liquid memoir of the Lost Generation, Greene explains the role alcohol played in society and how authors, including Hemingway and Fitzgerald, used it in their works. Greene will discuss the book at the posh Beaux-Arts Perry Belmont, and teach guests how to whip up a few drinks born in 1920s Paris. 7 to 9 p.m. $60.

Friday, Oct. 19

Return of Dorothy’s ruby slippers at National Museum of American History: Two years ago, the Smithsonian sent out a simple plea to fans of “The Wizard of Oz”: #KeepThemRuby. Dorothy’s ruby slippers had been on display at the National Museum of American History since 1979 and was one of the museum’s most popular exhibits, but the nearly 80-year-old pair of slippers had seen better days. A Kickstarter campaign was started by the museum and exceeded its $300,000 goal with support from more than 6,000 donors. The money went toward the repair of the leather, sequined and glass-beaded slippers and a new display case. The iconic shoes will return to the permanent exhibit this weekend alongside a temporary exhibition of the Scarecrow’s hat, and the museum will host a variety of “Oz”-themed events, including showings of the 1939 classic movie in 35mm. Noon to 3 p.m. Free, movie showtimes priced separately.

Boo at the Zoo at the National Zoo: The annual Halloween event that merges candy and animals is back at the National Zoo this weekend. All trick-or-treaters will get a commemorative bag to hold candy from the more than 40 vendors who will be passing out their sweet confections. There will be plenty of entertainment in addition to the zoo’s normal exhibits, which will be open to guests at this after-hours event. Please note that all guests age 2 and older, including adults, must purchase a ticket. Through Sunday (Saturday’s event is sold out). 5:30 p.m. $30.

Prosciutto tasting at Pitango Gelato — Adams Morgan: You might know this local chain as merely a shop to find fresh, seasonal gelato, but the Adams Morgan location also has been serving Italian-inspired savory cafe sandwiches and bites. They are now joining an exclusive group of prosciutto purveyors with the Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma. There will be a prosciutto specialist on hand to educate guests about the history and tradition of the Italian cold cut, and, of course, samples will be provided. 5 to 7 p.m. Free.